There was a major cast change during the Jan. 26, 2024 performance of “Medée” at the Teatro alla Scala.

Soprano Marina Rebeka, who started the run on Jan. 14, 2024, but had to withdraw from performances on Jan. 20 and 23 due to illness, returned to the stage to open the Jan. 26 performance. However, due to illness, she was forced to with draw before the second and third act. Taking her place was soprano Claire de Monteil, who had made her company debut on Jan. 23, also replacing Rebeka in the title role.

“Life is crazy sometimes…” de Monteil posted in an Instagram story. “Tonight I jumped in after the intermission because the amazing warrior @marina.rebeka wanted to sing for her audience. Unfortunately she was not feeling well but gave it a try. She had to stop after the first act. I wish her a quick recovery. Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers.”

There is one more performance of “Medée” scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. Rebeka is slated to return to the title role one last time. (UPDATE: Per the Teatro alla Scala website, de Monteil is now scheduled to perform on Jan. 28, 2024 instead of Rebeka). The production was originally set to feature Sonya Yoncheva in the title role.